Best Saffron Supplement for ADHD
March 04, 2025
Written by Mitesh Desai Head of Nutrition

Best Saffron Supplement for ADHD

Girish Desai- pharmacist at Landys chemist,"Saffron, with its powerful antioxidant properties, may offer a natural way to support focus and reduce hyperactivity in individuals with ADHD."

Besides being a flavourful spice used to enhance food, saffron may help with hyperactivity in ADHD.

What is ADHD?1.

As we know attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults. Traditional treatments often involve medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Recently, there has been growing interest in the potential benefits of saffron for managing ADHD symptoms.

What is Saffron ?2.

Saffron, a spice derived from the Crocus sativus plant, has been used for centuries in both traditional medicine and culinary practices. Emerging research suggests that saffron may be a promising natural remedy for managing ADHD symptoms, particularly in helping to regulate hyperactivity in children with the condition.

Supportive research concerning the potential benefits of saffron for ADHD:

Research examining the effects of saffron on ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents has shown promising results:

 For example:

  • A 2024 systematic review analysed four clinical trials with 118 patients to assess the efficacy and safety of saffron in ADHD treatment. The findings suggest saffron may be effective both as a standalone therapy and as an adjunct to methylphenidate, with no significant safety concerns3. 
  • A small clinical trial with 63 participants found that saffron was as effective as methylphenidate for treating ADHD symptoms, with a greater impact on reducing hyperactivity4.
  • Another study involving 70 children aged 7–17 found that taking saffron alongside methylphenidate led to a reduction in symptoms after eight weeks5.

 

While fewer studies exist, research examining the effects of saffron on ADHD symptoms in Adults:

  • A 2022 randomized, double-blind clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of saffron as an add-on to Ritalin in 56 adults with ADHD. Results showed a significant improvement in ADHD symptoms (measured by ASRS scores) in the saffron group after six weeks, with no major differences in side effects between groups6.

What could be the science behind this?

Dopamine and norepinephrine are both linked to ADHD, though their exact roles remain unclear. Dopamine regulates mood, motivation, and reward-seeking behaviour, while norepinephrine affects alertness4. Saffron contains compounds such as crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal, which have antioxidant properties and may help protect brain cells by reducing oxidative stress. While the precise mechanism of saffron’s impact on neurotransmitters is not fully understood, its potential benefits for managing ADHD symptoms are being explored 7,8.

Best saffron supplement UK:

  • Saffron supplements come in capsules or tablets, with dosage recommendations provided by manufacturers and healthcare professionals. Always follow the suggested dosage on the label.

Here are some of the best saffron supplements for ADHD available on our website:

Best Saffron supplements:

Children over 12 years can take: HealthAid Saffron 177mg Capsules 60 & Coyne Healthcare Felix Affron (Saffron Extract) Caps 30

 

Saffron supplement for adults only: Swanson Full Spectrum Saffron 15mg Capsules 60 & Viridian Saffron Extract Capsules 30

 

 

Precautions for Using Saffron Extract for ADHD9,10

Before adding saffron extract to your ADHD treatment plan, it's important to understand potential side effects and drug interactions. Taking large amounts of saffron by mouth is possibly unsafe. High doses of 5 grams or more can cause poisoning. 

Possible Side Effects

Saffron is generally safe in moderate amounts but can cause:

  • Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headaches
  • Rare allergic reactions

Drug Interactions & Contraindications

Saffron may interact with certain medications, including:

  • Blood thinners – May increase bleeding risk
  • Antidepressants – Can amplify effects on neurotransmitters
  • Blood pressure medication – May cause excessive blood pressure drops

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid high doses due to unknown effects and potential uterine stimulation.

Can You Take Saffron with ADHD Medications?

Research on saffron’s interaction with ADHD medications is limited. Consult your doctor before combining treatments to ensure safety.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Always consult a healthcare professional before using saffron for ADHD. They can assess its suitability for your condition and monitor for side effects or interactions.

Where to Buy:

Explore these and more Saffron products on our website. 

Sources:

  1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/
  2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9573091/
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37864351/
  4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9573091/
  5. https://eprints.lums.ac.ir/3290/
  6. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212958822000027
  7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9526642/#:~:text=Saffron%20is%20a%20traditional%20medicinal,picrocrocin%2C%20kaempferol%2C%20and%20flavonoid.
  8. https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/ADHD_and_the_Brain.aspx#:~:text=Dopamine%20and%20norepinephrine%20are%20two,play%20a%20role%20in%20ADHD.
  9. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5339650/
  10. https://www.talkspace.com/mental-health/conditions/articles/saffron-for-adhd/#:~:text=Learn%20How%20to%20Manage%20ADHD%20Symptoms%20with%20Talkspace,Learn%20how%20to&text=Saffron%20may%20be%20a%20promising,guidance%20of%20a%20healthcare%20professional

 

 

Disclaimer

The products offered are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness or disease, or to replace the advice of a medical professional. Results are not guaranteed and may vary from individual to individual.